For the Points #7: 56 Points

Welcome to “For the Points”. In here we will be comparing and contrasting the most recent figure from each Marvel and DC set that shares a common point value (starting with 50 Points).

If there is more than one figure of this point value in a set, we will determine which one to use for the debate based on several variables: a.) which figure is most common, b.) which character is more popular, or c.) which figure seems to be most popular amongst players.

In these threads, we'll be able to see any power creeps or possible point imbalances. We’ll also be able to discuss some great uses for these figures.

Please, by all means chime in with some opinions here. We'll only determine who gets the “victory” after two weeks of votes.

In today’s battle, it’s wildcard vs. wildcard!

Marvel Darkhawk (AV) vs. DC Heat Wave (JL)

Let’s see how wild things can get at 56 points!

Darkhawk

#av019 R Darkhawk
Team: Spider-Man Ally
Range: 6
Points: 56
Keywords: Excelsior, Loners, New Warriors, Teen, West Coast Avengers

8 9 17 3

8 8 16 2

7 8 15 2

6 8 13 1

8 8 15 3

8 8 14 2

7 7 13 2

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

Here we have yet another “Teen” in the mix. Darkhawk’s dial is 7-clicks deep. He has a 6 Range with one target. As mentioned earlier, he is a Wildcard with the Spider-Man Team Ability. It should be noted that exactly mid-dial, it appears that Darkhawk lands on an activation click.

Darkhawk has very consistent movement. Before the mid-dial activation click, he has three front loaded clicks of Leap/Climb (values: 8, 8, 7). On that middle click, there is no movement power and a value of 6. His last three clicks return back to Leap/Climb and repeat the top of the dial’s pattern: 8, 8, 7. Again we are seeing another Leap/Climber who is perfect for Lunge and Pounce.

Attack clicks seem pretty barren. The dial’s first click has a 9 AV with Energy Explosion. IT is followed by three straight clicks of 8 AV and no power. The fifth and sixth clicks of the dial still retain an 8 AV, but gain the penetrating Psychic Blast. The dial does end however with a low 7 AV and no power to support it.

Darkhawk’s defense is also consistent. There are three starting clicks of Toughness, with a consistently dropping value: 17, 16, 15. On that mid-dial activation click, Darkhawk’s defense drops badly to a 13, but does provide the sometimes sweet mid-dial Regeneration. After that click passes, Darkhawk’s last three clicks gain Energy Shield/Deflection again with a consistently dropping value: 15, 14, and finally 13. The ESD values may be printed low, but from range could possibly protect him.

Damage is also consistent. Top three clicks: 3, 2, 2. Activation click: 1. Bottom three clicks: 3, 2, 2.

There’s nothing to throw a party over for Darkhawk’s keywords. If you want to put him on an “Excelsiors” or “Loners” Theme Team, you’re basically just teaming him up with Lightspeed for under 100 points. With a “New Warriors” team, you’re basically piling up a whole slew of Wildcards. “West Coast Avengers” doesn’t have a ton of variety, but can still be fun. And we’ve seen “Teen” over and over again, so at least we know that Darkhawk will fit onto a mishmash team if needed.

Is the contest about to heat up?

Heat Wave

#jl006 E Heat Wave
Team: Calculator
Range: 8
Points: 56
Keywords: Rogues

8 9 16 1

6 8 15 1

7 8 16 2

7 7 16 2

6 7 15 1

6 7 15 1

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

Heat Wave’s dial is a bit shorter than Darkhawk’s and goes back to the 6-deep archetype that we have seen in these recent FTP threads. His reach is a little longer with an 8 Range, one target. He is also a wildcard, using the Calculator team ability.

There are no movement powers on Heat Wave’s dial. His movement values are standard and relatively consistent: 8, 6, 7, 7, 6, and 6.

The first four attack clicks all have Energy Explosion: 9, 8, 8, and 7. His last two clicks have Smoke Cloud and each share a 7 AV.

Heat Wave’s defense is typical for a bad guy. He has top loaded Toughness on the first two clicks with low values: 16 and 15. His next three clicks have Mastermind, all also with low values: 16, 16, and 15. His last defensive click has a 15 value with no power.

The damage clicks (again consistent) are decent for Heat Wave. The first two clicks have Range Combat Expert with 1 damage. The next two have Enhancement with 2 damage. On Heat Wave’s last two clicks, he returns to RCE with 1 damage.

The only Keyword that Heat Wave has is “Rogues.” If you’re putting him into a theme, he’s got to team up with the bad guys. Could be fun.

SO – which is better for the points? Darkhawk or Heat Wave?

Who do you think is better for the points?

Next round: 57 Points: Hawkeye (SI) vs. Clayface (CD) Rookie

Last Rounds:

55 Points:Karolina Dean (HA) vs. Kid Devil (AA)
Karolina Dean and Kid Devil are currently tied 10-10
54 Points:Gertrude Yorkes & Old Lace (HA) vs. Wildcat (OR)
Wildcat is currently up 23-5
53 Points:Yondu (AV) vs. Roy Harper (CR)
Roy Harper is currently up 23-10
52 Points: Fixer (SN) vs. Atom (OR)
Atom is currently up 27-3
51 Points: Tarantula (SI) vs. Wonder Woman (OR)
Tarantula is currently up 13-8
50 Points: Spider-Man (SI) vs. Nightshade (AA)
Spider-Man is currently up 20-5

Darkhawk. More health, better mobility, attack value and mid-dial regen. I will give the range edge to Heat Wave (and sometimes you want enhancement and mastermind over energy deflection) but Darkhawk is better.

I vote Darkhawk as well. He's a kind of lame character, and he really only has one click that's very good, but Heatwave just shuts down completely if based. Darkhawk's top click is very solid, and he can occasionally make decent use of his mid-dial Regeneration or Psychic blast to surprise people who aren't familiar with his dial (which is everyone).

I've used both pieces before and have had success with each of them.

I think it mostly boils down to what team ability is being copied. Heat Wave with a Batman Ally team is excellent. However...

I have to give the vote to Darkhawk. His dial does surprise your opponent more often than not. He's always going to be the most overlooked piece on the map.

never knew that Heat Wave have Mastermind....eh? I ought to try out the Rogues Gallery (but I am STILL waiting for a remake of Weather Wizard!! grrrrr).

in a ranging shoot game, Heat Wave may have the chance to beat Darkhawk....but...in a close combat, it gotta have to be Darkhawk, automatically. easy win for DH.

Now I am thinking that Heat Wave really deserves a remake...because I have been reading the Flash since 1977 and I don't think that Mastermind is one of them...just that he happens to be a master arsonist...his Attack Value should be higher somehow because he had killed several people before. He's a killer. Should be quite similar to Captain Cold's. RS, high damage, etc. He ain't be a sniper. Never was, so therefore should not get a RCE. anyway, IMO.

Surprisingly, Darkhawk actually looks good compared to Heat Wave. I want Heat Wave to work so bad, and have played many a Rogues team with him, but that Mastermind just never works out with him being 56 points, and who really cares anyway? Keeping him alive over another, often more useful grunt? No thanks. I've never actually played with Darkhawk, but he gets my vote! Ha ha.

Darkhawk. Better defense, not viable when based and a chance to heal.

i think that Darkhawk will become the first one to win this round undefeated.

I would just barely give it to darkhawk.

Darkhawk has been on more of my teams than any other figure I own.

I have never used Heatwave.

Darkhawk gets my vote.

Darkhawk really has it on all points - mobility, defense, damage, average attack value, keywords - all save for range, and that's not such a huge deal. I'd give it to him easily, as much as I might want to see one of the Rogues do well.

I have to say Darkhawk also.

This is clearly Darkhawk. I never cared much for the mastermind on Heat Wave, and, like others have said, Darkhawk has superior stats. This makes me wanting to start using Heat Wave more as a supporting figure with than Enhancement he picks up mid-dial.

darkhawk by far he is soo useful imo